NORMATIVE FRAMEWORK

TRUST FUND PROJECT FORMAT

"Socio-economic and Gender Analysis (SEAGA) Programme"

(PART II: PROJECT DESIGN)

A. GENERAL BACKGROUND

1. Description of the agricultural and rural sector
Give a short description of the agricultural and rural sector, both in qualitative and quantitative terms.

2. Specific situation of rural men and women
Provide a brief description of the specific situation of rural men and women, indicating their different roles and responsibilities, as well as their main constraints and priorities.

3. National strategy for women's development
Indicate how the government of the host country is supporting the development of rural women.

4. Prior or on-going assistance in support of rural women
Provide some information on specific past and on-going programmes and projects to support the participation of rural women and men.

5. Institutional framework
Give a short description of the different institutions in the public and private sectors working with and for rural women.

6. Information on the SEAGA Programme
Include a brief description of the SEAGA Programme with some of the main results obtained so far.

The Socio-economic and Gender Analysis (SEAGA) Programme promotes a model for people-centered development programming. The SEAGA paradigm is drawn from numerous development models. It includes a conceptual framework for socio-economic and gender analysis, methodologies, materials and tools for producing and utilizing more comprehensive socio-economic and gender based information. It also offers a fully participatory approach to policy, programme and project formulation that is designed to assist development professionals in their work.

In the SEAGA model, the basic elements of macro, intermediate and field-level analyses, and people's participation, are integrated throughout by a series of cross-sectoral issues that are addressed both substantively and methodologically (such as environment and sustainable development, population, poverty reduction, food security, equality and empowerment).

To operate and to promote this paradigm for people-centered development programming, international versions of practical and usable materials have been and are being developed. The SEAGA package offers methods and tools for analyzing data at the macro (or international and national policy and planning level), intermediate (institutions, services), and field (households, communities) levels of society. All of the materials are produced in several languages. The SEAGA approach promotes regional and national adaptation of the internationally-developed methodologies, materials and tools for SEAGA in all developing regions - adaptations that would incorporate similar methods, materials and tools that are already in use in different countries.

The Programme can provide technical support to regional and national institutions and individuals for training-of-trainers (TOT), the development or adaptation of training materials and tools, dissemination of training and follow-up to training, as well as networking. An important aspect in networking is the availability of information on the FAO web site under the SEAGA Programme (http://www.fao.org/SD and http://www.fao.org/gender). This web site helps in promoting the sustainability of the SEAGA effort through a worldwide dialogue that facilitates the analysis of lessons learned through using and creating new materials (such as case studies and examples, sector-specific guides, PRA tools, and so forth).

A SEAGA network has been established and strengthened to advocate an exchange of views and experiences, to ensure feedback to the national and international levels, and to promote technical cooperation in SEAGA between developing countries. This network provides continuing support to, and strengthens the capability of, local specialists and experts to promote the SEAGA model of analysis.

Many countries have participated in sensitization and information sessions on the gender approach provided by various organizations. An increasing number of national structures have requested training in socio-economic and gender analytical tools and methodologies and their practical application, in order to formulate gender-oriented programmes and projects. Existing FAO resources cannot meet all these country requests, and financial assistance is needed for funding SEAGA activities.

7. Participating Countries
The dissemination of the SEAGA Programme to Member Countries is, as it should be, demand-driven. Numerous Member Countries have already begun or requested, or are considering requesting, SEAGA training. It is expected that under this particular project the donor government will indicate those countries where it would prefer the Programme to be disseminated, given their own mandates and areas of geographical interest.

Data Needs (Examples):

  • Main institutions in the public and private sector working for and with rural women.
  • Present situation of the rural population, in terms of their access to natural and productive resources.
  • Government support to rural women and men.

Data Sources:

B. PROJECT RATIONALE-JUSTIFICATION

1. Problem to be addressed: the present situation
Rural women play a significant role in agricultural and food production, preparation, marketing and household food security. However, women still have limited access to and control over productive resources (especially labour, inputs and labour-saving techniques), as well as support services (microcredit, extension, training and markets), mainly due to weak institutional structures, traditional beliefs and cultural practices, a high degree of illiteracy, poor education and women's lack of collateral.

Extension services especially designed to target women farmers are still limited and women are usually only provided with training in traditional home-based activities. Little or no training is offered in the more entrepreneurial income-generating activities, e.g., crop and livestock production, agro-industries, protected agriculture, etc. It is further recognized that activities need to be rooted in thorough participatory assessment of input availability and accessibility. The majority of programmes and projects in support of rural women still tend to be isolated and dispersed, and target only a small number of women beneficiaries.

2. Expected end-of-project situation and sustainability of project results
Provide a short statement of the project's main objectives and expected outcomes.

3. Target Beneficiaries
The immediate beneficiaries will be the participants (men and women) selected for the training activities from existing training institutions, ministries, NGOs, and local communities. They will include gender focal points, researchers, academics, extension agents, and mid-level government personnel. The ultimate beneficiaries will be rural women and men whose needs and productive capacity will be considered in rural and agricultural development programmes.

4. Project Strategy
Give a short description of the foreseen strategies and why these were selected for this project.

5. Reasons for Assistance from FAO/Government Cooperative Programme
Provide short description.

6. Institutional Framework and Coordination Arrangements
Provide short description.


C. DEVELOPMENT OBJECTIVE

The goal of SEAGA is to promote equitable, participatory and sustainable development in order to contribute to food security and the sustainable management of natural resources, through the strengthening of national socio-economic and gender analytical capacities.

D. IMMEDIATE OBJECTIVE(S), OUTPUTS AND ACTIVITIES

The immediate objective is to strengthen national capacities in participatory gender approaches and mainstreaming in each phase of the policy, project and programme cycle, through:

1) Technical revision, update, editing, and translation of the SEAGA handbooks and sector guides;
2) Planning, implementation and follow-up of SEAGA training activities at national and international levels;
3) Formulation of National plans of action for gender mainstreaming in rural development;
4) Information dissemination;
5) Follow-up and monitoring and evaluation activities.

The expected outputs are:
- Revised and translated training material, handbooks and technical guides;
- Training packages adapted to local circumstances;
- A cadre of trainers trained at national and regional level who will subsequently train others in the SEAGA approach;
- Policy and decision-makers sensitized in gender analysis in each country and/or region;
- Ministry gender focal points trained in gender mainstreaming methods and tools;
- Representatives of local communities trained in gender participatory approaches;
- Establishment of a management and information system (MIS);
- Dissemination of information material via web sites, CD-ROM, etc.

The foreseen activities are:

Immediate Objective 1: Technical revision, update, editing, and translation of the SEAGA handbooks and sector guides:

  • Adaptation of SEAGA handbooks and technical guides
  • Translation and adaptation of training manuals
  • Development of information and background materials
  • Translation of handbooks and guides
  • Testing of training material
  • Preparation of specific case studies

Immediate Objective 2: Planning, implementation and follow-up of SEAGA training activities at national and international levels:

  • Development of Terms of Reference for training participants
  • Identification of participants' training needs
  • Selection and preparation of training material
  • Design of the training programme
  • Organization of training activities and sensitization sessions

Immediate Objective 3: Formulation of national plans of action for gender mainstreaming in rural development:

  • Revision of existing policies, programmes and projects for gender mainstreaming in rural development
  • Formulation of a National Plan of Action for gender mainstreaming with the participation of all involved stakeholders
  • Organization of a national/regional workshop to discuss the National Plan of Action
  • Revision and dissemination of the National Plan of Action for gender mainstreaming

Immediate Objective 4: Information dissemination:

  • Production of information material, including audio-visuals
  • Design of an information strategy for gender mainstreaming
  • Dissemination of the available information

Immediate Objective 5: Follow-up and monitoring and evaluation activities:

  • Identification of follow-up activities
  • Selection of the monitoring and evaluation indicators
  • Implementation of monitoring and evaluation

Data Needs:

  • Familiarity with gender analysis work being carried out in the countries where SEAGA training or document dissemination is used.
  • Names of experts with gender or training background who can work as contact points or co-facilitators when organizing sensitization or training sessions.
  • Familiarity with the agricultural and rural conditions prevalent in the target country.
  • Main languages used in the target country.

Data Sources:

  • Ministry of Agriculture
  • Ministry for Women's Affairs
  • NGOs that deal in gender issues
  • Universities
  • Research centers
  • FAO web sites

E. INPUTS

(See TF guidelines on expected subheadings and contents of this section.)

The inputs to be provided to carry out planned activities (goods, services, personnel and equipment) must be sufficient to produce outputs and to achieve the stated objectives. The description should specify: (i) international and national consultants (specialization and duration), equipment (quantity and specification), etc. and (ii) purpose for which provided. The timing and sequencing of inputs should be shown in the work plan annexed, together with a detailed description of inputs that are to be used.

Contribution of Recipient Governments:
- Capitalize on respective government's interests for regional cooperation
- Inter-region exchanges and TCDC
- Information exchange
- Study/educational field inspections
- Training
- In-kind contributions (salaries of staff engaged in project).

Contributions of Donor Government and FAO
Donor funding will be used by FAO to provide the following inputs. Budgetary details appear in Section ___ below and the Terms of Reference for Staff in Annex _____, and Equipment Requirements in Annex ______.

- Project Staff
- Chief Technical Adviser/Wood Policy Specialist _____ person-months
- Gender Policy Specialist ____person-months
- Gender and training Specialist ______ person-months
- Country Project Specialists-- person-months
- Consultants-International, National, person months
- Associate Professional Officers
- Administrative Support Staff (enumeration)
- Duty Travel and Missions
- Contracts
- Operating Expenses
- Supplies
- Non-Expendable Equipment
- Training and Seminars.

Data Needs:

  • Number of people to be involved in study/educational field inspection.
  • Number of people involved and type of training envisaged.
  • Quantification of Government contribution.
  • Quantification of FAO contribution.

Data Sources:

  • Ministry of Agriculture
  • Ministry for Women's Affairs
  • Universities and research centers
  • NGOs

F. RISKS

(See TF guidelines on expected contents of this section.)

Data Needs:

  • Types of risks that may arise.

Data Sources:

  • Ministry of Agriculture
  • Ministry for Women's Affairs

G. PRIOR OBLIGATIONS AND PREREQUISITES

Describe actions to be taken by the Government to facilitate implementation as well as for starting up the project (prior obligation), and any actions which affect the start-up that can cause serious disruption during implementation (prerequisites). If these obligations cannot be reasonably met by the Government prior to commencement of the project, they can be folded into the outputs and inputs of the project.

Data Needs:

  • Qualitative information on agricultural and rural context with emphasis on rural women.
  • Details on Government contribution in kind.
  • Sex-disaggregated data on the rural population.

Data Sources:

  • Ministry of Agriculture
  • Ministry for Women's Affairs
  • NGOs
  • Universities and research centers

H. PROJECT REPORTING, REVIEWS AND EVALUATION

Reports
(See TF Guidelines on contents of this section.)

Reviews
(See TF Guidelines on contents of this section.)

Evaluation
Monitoring and evaluation mechanisms will be designed and integrated into each phase of the learning/training exercises. Regularly scheduled backstopping, monitoring and evaluation exercises will strengthen the project and take into account lessons drawn from practical experience. The feedback and recommendations will be used to revise the processes and materials as appropriate.

During the learning/training exercises conducted at national level, the evaluation mechanisms will assess the validity of the training process and methodologies. Appropriate participatory evaluation techniques will also enable measurement of each participant's final degree of acquisition of the SEAGA principles, concepts and training skills. The co-trainers will be closely monitored and evaluated for their strength and ability in transferring the SEAGA model.

I. BUDGET (PLAN OF EXPENDITURE)

The below items and formats vary with the Trust Fund donor. Typically, a distinction is made between:

(i) Government contribution in kind (estimated in local currency)
Personnel
Travel
Miscellaneous/General Operating Expenses
Equipment
Premises
Training

(ii) Donor contribution (estimated in US$)
Personnel
Official Travel
Contractual Services
Supplies and Materials
Equipment
Training

International SEAGA Trainers: In the long-term, the intent of SEAGA is to develop a cadre of trainers from developing countries to conduct the SEAGA training exercises. For the initial briefings/training exercises, and for the first several full TOT programmes, however, it will be necessary to utilize the services of international trainers and experts who have been involved in the development of the materials, since the intent is to test and modify these materials, as well as to transfer the Programme and the skills to use the methods and tools to national counterparts.

SEAGA Expert's Honorarium Costs: The time required to plan, hold and evaluate the briefings/training, and to participate in the revising and finalization of the training materials, in XXX countries, is estimated to be the equivalent of XXX person months for international experts during the life of the project. The estimated honorarium costs for the SEAGA experts is estimated at $xxx and travel and per diem costs for these trainers is estimated at approximately $xxx.

National Consultants: Two co-trainers will participate in the various briefings and learning/training exercises, in collaboration with the international trainers. They must have a background in socio-economic analysis, knowledge of Women in Development/gender issues, and experience in training. The duration of each of their consultancies will be variable. While the cost of honorarium, internal travel and per diem for these co-trainers will be determined locally, the total estimated cost is US$xxx.

Logistical Efforts: An estimated US$xxx will be required in non-staff time and communications to organize and provide logistical support in preparation for holding the SEAGA briefings/training exercises over the life of the project. An additional estimated amount of US$xxx will be required in non-staff time, materials and communications for project administration assistance, desktop publishing, translations/adaptations, graphic work, web site monitoring, and reproduction of the very extensive SEAGA materials for use in the briefing and learning/training exercises in Member Countries.

Technical Backstopping: Officers from the Women in Development Service (SDWW) at FAO Headquarters, and/or from FAO Regional Offices, will contribute to and coordinate the design, production, testing and adaptation of the international SEAGA training package and technically backstop adaptations and training throughout the various phases of project execution. As feasible, these Officers will assist the international and national trainers in setting meeting agendas, planning such meetings and undertaking follow-up activities.

Translation/Revision: The SEAGA Programme is being produced simultaneously in English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian and Arabic. Costs for translating/revising materials for appropriate linguistic formats is estimated to be US$xxx.

Programme Support, Supplies and Materials: The cost for both expendable and non-expendable equipment to implement the project is estimated at US$xxx.

SEAGA Training: FAO anticipates that support will be forthcoming from the selected countries for holding the pilot tests (e.g. training sites, salaries of participants, etc.), but some funds should be available to cover costs that cannot be met locally. This amount is estimated at US$xxx.

Support Costs: Support costs for the project are estimated at US$xxx (13% of US$xxx).

The total budget is estimated at US$xxx.


J. ANNEXES

(See TF guidelines on expected subheadings and contents of this section.)

Include:
J.1 Provisional Work Plan
J.2 In-Country Cost Estimates
J.3 Equipment Requirements
J.4 Job Descriptions and Terms of Reference for Project Groups
J.5 Country-Specific Actions
J.6 Map of Region/Country Boundaries

Data Needs:

  • Detailed listings of activities, training needs, project personnel (indicating expertise required, location and duration of assignment).
  • Nature and specifications, quantity and unit costs of individual equipment items.
  • Phasing/time frame of project activities.

Data Sources:

  • Ministry of Agriculture
  • Ministry for Women's Affairs
  • Main body of project document
  • Project leader